What is legal aid?

Written By For Good Digital

‘Legal aid’ refers to free or low-cost legal services that help people resolve their legal problems. In Victoria, this includes services such as:

  • legal information;

  • legal advice;

  • ongoing legal help; and

  • legal representation (e.g. in court).

  • The agencies that provide legal aid services can be grouped as follows:

    • Victoria Legal Aid (VLA);

    • community legal centres (e.g. Fitzroy Legal Service);

    • specialist community legal centres that focus on particular legal areas (e.g. the Mental Health Legal Centre, Environmental Justice Australia);

    • specialist community legal centres that help particular groups (e.g. the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Women’s Legal Service, Youthlaw); 

    • private law practices offering free legal advice and assistance (through grants of legal assistance or by referral from Justice Connect or the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV)); and

    • a range of other organisations.

    A list of agencies that provide legal services can be found at the end of this chapter.

What is legal aid?

Chapter: 2.3: Legal services that can help

Contributor: Compiled by Victoria Legal Aid and Fitzroy Legal Service

Current as of: 1 September 2024

Law Handbook Page: 68

Next Section: Victoria Legal Aid

For Good Digital

Straightforward & affordable digital and design services uniquely crafted to empower small businesses, creatives & NFP’s to excel online. Run by Emerald Cowell.

https://www.forgooddigital.com.au/
Next

Victoria Legal Aid